Watershed Quarterly: December 2024

December 2024 | Issue No. 38

Protecting Tulsa's Waterways:

Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain

As we enjoy meals with family and friends this winter, let’s try to keep our waterways clean. A common mistake is pouring grease down the kitchen sink or storm drains. While this may seem harmless, it can lead to big problems over time.

When grease cools, it hardens and can block drains by mixing with other debris. These clogs can lead to expensive repairs and may even back up into our homes or streets. Also, grease is lighter than water, so it can harm aquatic life if it enters the stormwater system.

If you have leftover grease from frying a holiday turkey, please dispose of it properly. The City of Tulsa offers a convenient solution! You can take your household grease and other pollutants to the Household Pollutant Collection Facility at 4502 S. Galveston Ave. It is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Boost Your Lawn’s Health:

The Benefits of Mulching Leaves

As autumn paints our neighborhoods with vibrant colors, many residents face the task of removing leaves. Raking is a common way to keep leaves from blocking storm drains, but it can be tiring, especially for homes with many trees.

Instead of throwing leaves away, consider mulching them. Mulching helps manage leaf debris and offers many benefits to your soil and lawn.

Here are some reasons to mulch your leaves this fall:

Improves Soil Health: Shredded leaves break down quickly, adding nutrients that enhance soil quality and help plants absorb nutrients faster.
Reduces Waste: Mulching keeps leaves out of landfills, supporting a sustainable environment.
Protects Roots: Mulch can shield plant roots, helping to maintain soil temperature and moisture as winter approaches.
Supports Lawn Health: Mulched leaves provide natural nutrients for your lawn, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Mulching is easy! Spread the leaves evenly across your lawn and run your lawn mower over them to shred them into smaller pieces.

Enjoy the beauty of the season this fall and consider mulching the leaves on your property. It’s a simple and eco-friendly way to improve your yard while helping the environment.

Eco-Friendly De-Icing Solutions for a Safer Winter in Tulsa

As winter approaches and ice becomes a concern in Tulsa, it’s important to consider the environmental effects of our de-icing methods. Many commercial products contain high levels of chlorine that can harm local waterways and aquatic life. This can also lead to increased salinity, which affects soil health and plant growth.

There are safer, natural alternatives. One option is sand, which provides traction and helps melt ice by absorbing sunlight. Another effective choice is beet juice, which can lower the freezing point of water and keep roads and sidewalks clear.

By choosing these eco-friendly de-icing solutions, we can keep our community safe and protect Tulsa’s environment this winter.

Species Spotlight: Northern Hog Sucker

This month, we’re highlighting the Northern Hog Sucker (Hypentelium Nigricans), a fascinating fish found in northeastern Oklahoma. It thrives in clear, fast-moving streams with rocky bottoms.

The Northern Hog Sucker has a special mouth that allows it to suck up tiny particles and insects from between the rocks. Its square pectoral fins help it stay stable in strong currents, while its slim body helps it move easily through the water. The fish’s mottled skin allows it to blend in with the gravel beds, keeping it safe from predators like bald eagles.

This species is sensitive to pollution and sediment, making it an important indicator of water quality. Although you won’t find Northern Hog Suckers in Tulsa itself, they reside in the creeks that feed the lakes providing the city’s water.

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